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What a Day!

Saturday, May the 5th, 2001
The Grand Opening of the Three Rivers Avian Center's New home.
Jon Mahan, was the master of ceremonies. A former Chairperson
of the Board Jon introduced us Roberts Rules of Order and the
required sense of humor to cope with them.

Executive Director Wendy Perrone gave a short history of TRAC and performed the introductions.

There were speeches by distingushed guests. . .

Delegate Virginia Mahan, a former member of TRAC's Board of Directors, and long time friend of TRAC has been instrumental in securing significant funding for the construction of the facility. 
Curtis Taylor, Biologist for the Division of Natural Resources and a member of the TRAC Board of Advisors. He spoke for Ed Hamrick, Director of the Division of Natural Resources. 

Former Chairperson of the Board and intrepid fund raiser,
Cheryl Melkonian tells it like it is here.
Then there was a small,
but appropriate ceremony
presented by a Red-tailed Hawk
released by Ron Perrone. . .gone!
The doors were open for everyone to explore West Virginia's first free veterinary facility for injured wild birds.
Chelsea Vargo, lower right, led tours through the building.
Friends, visitors, volunteers and family share the moment. From left to right:
Volunteers John ..?... and Cristen Dragan, Executive Director Wendy Perrone,
and DVM Bill Streit, TRAC's Director of Veterinary Services.
Body painting by Kim Connolly

Photography and strategic
gurury by Roger Melkonian!

Not shown, but much appreciated are Rick Smith and his dad,
who fed all two hundred and something of us with dynamite barbecue and dogs.
If you weren't there, you missed it!

also . . .

The bird walks all day with Dr. Gary Rankin

The beautiful Three Rivers Avian Center sign on the building by brother Al Perrone.

And a very special thanks to the last minute heroics of the Gimp and Limp Carpentry and Cleanup Crew;
Tonry Lathroum, Charles and Nancy Hurst, Diane Silver, Chris and Ferdi Perrone, Pat Barker, Sharon Roon,
and Carol Jackson. Without your efforts, the Grand Opening would have been significantly, less so.

Through the year many people have made contributions to the success of our endevours. We thank you all!